Electronic and Computer Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

In my first year, I don't take part in any company rotation. I spend my time with my team, we develop a STEM product where we simulate engineering procedures next to developing new skills with the rest of team. Also spend a lot of time networking and shadowing people within the company.

I've learned software and electronic skills (not much experience prior to the program, so most of it was learning from zero). I've also become more confident to start conversations and ask questions - in this I've developed presentation skills for a wide range of audiences and also networking skills which is very important in the professional life

There are highs and lows like everything in life - some days are slower and other are fast paced. The key thing is making the most of every part of it. I've had so much experience already (even without rotations), and have grew a lot professionally and as a person - so I really enjoy it.

GE has been doing the apprenticeship scheme for a long time and it has evolved a lot over the years. The support we get from the company is unreal, our managers' jobs are the apprenticeship scheme/early careers (their attention isn't divided with anything else). The University of the West of England and Gloucestershire can be very poor at times which is the only downside.

As mentioned in the question above, my employer has a whole section dedicated to the apprenticeship scheme. So we get all the support we need plus they are extremely open to feedback and suggestions on how to improve the program which is a very nice place to be. That's the reason why the scheme evolved so much in the past years.

We have a tripartite situation: GE Aviation, Gloucestershire College (training provided), and University of the West of England (degree). At times the communication between UWE and Gloscol is quite poor and we don't get as much feedback as we wish too which at times is quite frustrating. Gloscol tends to be hear our feedbacks but are trying to pick up the pace after covid.

This degree is pretty much made for GE Aviation Systems and the apprenticeship scheme. We learn software, electronics and system at Uni and that's the roles we will work on during our rotations. Therefore, most of the things we learn at Uni can be somehow applied straight into our work. It's helpful in both ways since we learn about our job, but we also get help for Uni from people that have been working on that area for the past 30 years.

We take part in many volunteering and outreach events. This is in general very fulfilling but it also very beneficial for our careers - gives us more confidence since we talk to a lot of younger people and also gives us great presentation skills. Because of that we all become STEM ambassadors during the program.

Yes

GE Aviation is a massive company, but it is also just part of a much bigger General Electric Brand. The opportunity to have your degree fully funded while you get experiences and also get paid is incredible, to do so at a company as big as GE opens so many doors for the future which is what you want for an apprenticeship. GE Aviation is also a great place to work at, the environment is good, people are friendly and always open for a chat/to help and they really care about what you want to take out of the program.

Be open and honest about yourself. GE really believes in the idea that it is much easier to teach technical skills than to build a character, therefore in their hiring process, although all the experiences are very important to "sell yourself" they will also be looking for authentic people - hence why we have such a mixed environment around here.